The 100th successful rail-trail project in Pennsylvania, the Panhandle Trail stretches for 29 miles from Walkers Mill near Carnegie, PA, to just outside of Weirton, WV.
Trail Surface:
The entire length of the Panhandle Trail is open from Walkers Mill near Carnegie, PA, to just outside of Weirton, WV, most of it paved with a smooth surface of crushed limestone. The nearly 8-mile section of the trail between Burgettstown and the PA/WV state line is a bit rougher than the rest of the trail with more packed dirt and loose gravel sections. The crushed limestone section resumes at the WV state line.
Trail Amenities:
Port-o-johns are situated every few miles along the Panhandle Trail. Permanent restrooms (and a water fountain!) are available at mile 5.75 in Sturgeon, and can also be found at several small town convenience stores located close to the trail. Benches and picnic tables along the trail provide opportunity for resting, as well as enjoying scenic views. A picnic table and old train marker from the P.C.C. & L.R.R. offer an especially welcome rest stop at the PA/WV state line.
Panhandle - Montour Trail Connector:
At mile 8.62 a trail connector leads off from the Panhandle Trail to connect walkers, runners and cyclists with the nearby Montour Trail. Follow the connector trail into the parking lot for the Montour Trail, then acros 980 and up to the trail. Left on the Montour Trail will take you across the McDonald Trestle towards Cecil (Washington County), while righ takes you north on the Montour Trail towards Quicksilver, Imperial, Robinson Township and Coraopolis.
Before You Go:
Visit the Collier Friends of the Panhandle Trail Web site for directions to trail parking and entrances, a downloadable PDF trail map, and mileage charts with points of interest and amenities.
